Three days later, Sasuke stood before Pain's holographic projection.
The Rinnegan-wielding leader of Akatsuki studied him intently. Even through the projection, Sasuke could feel the analytical gaze.
"You've changed," Pain observed. "Your chakra signature is... different. Heavier. What happened in the Land of Wind?"
"I found what I was looking for." Sasuke kept his voice neutral. "Dragon Sage Mode. I can now enhance my physical abilities with natural energy."
"Show me."
Sasuke activated the mode. Purple-black aura erupted around him, filling the chamber with oppressive power.
Pain's expression didn't change, but Sasuke caught the slight widening of those Rinnegan eyes. Recognition of something unprecedented.
"That's not normal Sage Mode," Pain said slowly. "The chakra density is far beyond what the toads or snakes provide. What exactly did you do?"
"Found a concentrated natural energy source and absorbed it." Partial truth. "The details are my own."
"And the Dragon Vein?" Pain's voice carried suspicion. "Reports indicate it no longer exists. The entire underground chamber in Roran is now empty and dark."
Sasuke had anticipated this question. Pain's intelligence network was extensive.
"The seal was failing," Sasuke lied smoothly. "I attempted to stabilize it for future use, but the structure collapsed. The Dragon Vein dissipated."
"Dissipated." Pain's tone suggested he didn't believe this for a second. "Natural energy on that scale doesn't just dissipate."
"Then perhaps someone else claimed it before I arrived. Or perhaps the ancient civilization that sealed it had contingencies for seal failure." Sasuke met Pain's gaze steadily. "Does it matter? I have the power I sought. Akatsuki benefits from a stronger member."
Pain studied him for a long moment. Then: "You're ready for active missions?"
"Yes."
"Good. Because we have a problem." Pain's Rinnegan blazed. "The Eight-Tails jinchuriki in the Hidden Cloud Village has been proving difficult to track. We need intelligence on his location and the village's defenses. High-risk, high-priority."
"You want me to infiltrate Cloud?" Sasuke asked.
"With a partner. Someone experienced in reconnaissance and combat." Pain paused deliberately. "Itachi Uchiha."
There it was. The opportunity Sasuke had been waiting for.
"Understood," Sasuke replied, keeping his voice professionally neutral. "When do we deploy?"
"Two days. Meet Itachi at the coordinates I'm sending." Pain leaned forward slightly. "And Sasuke—I know there's history between you and Itachi. But if you compromise this mission for personal vendetta, Akatsuki will consider it betrayal. Are we clear?"
"Perfectly clear." Another lie. "The mission comes first."
Pain's projection vanished.
Sasuke stood alone in the chamber, his draconic pupils gleaming in the darkness.
Two days. Then he would finally face Itachi.
Not as the weak younger brother seeking revenge. But as the Dojutsu Hunter—someone who'd absorbed fifty-one eyes and an entire natural energy source. Someone who'd become a monster in human shape.
Itachi would die. His eyes would be taken. And Sasuke would achieve Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
It was inevitable.